See Also: Symphony's(tourism)
symphony(dictionary)
symphony(encyclopedia)
symphony(dictionary)
SYMPHONY HOLD(finance)
Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra, the(dictionary)
London Symphony Orchestra, the(dictionary)
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the(dictionary)
Boston Symphony Orchestra, the(dictionary)
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the(dictionary)

symphony (iou)



symphony noun. In sense 1 also symphonie. ME.
[Old French simphonie (mod. sym-) from Latin symphonia instrumental harmony, voices in concert, musical instrument from Greek sumphonia, from sumphonos harmonious, formed as SYM-: see -PHONY.]
Any of various medieval or Renaissance musical instruments, as a dulcimer, virginal, etc. ME.
The quality, esp. of music, of having a harmonious sound. obsolete exc. Hist. LME.
Disraeli Stanzas..resonant with subtle symphony.
Agreement, accord, concord. L16.
Carlyle Their domestic symphony was subject to furious flaws.
a. Music in parts for an ensemble of voices or instruments, or both; concerted music; a performance or strain of such music. Chiefly poet. & rhet. L16.
A. Radcliffe To join in the choral symphonies of the nuns.
b. fig. A combination or collection of utterances or sounds comparable to concerted music; a harmoniously pleasing arrangement or juxtaposition of colours. L16.
W. J. Locke She sat as hostess..at the table, a symphony in..gold and black.
Music.
a. An instrumental passage at the beginning or in the middle of a vocal composition, such as a cantata or madrigal, similar to a ritornello, although not usu. repeated as a refrain throughout. Also, a short interlude for orchestra alone between the movements of a large-scale vocal work. Formerly also, a more extended instrumental piece, often in three movements, forming the overture to an opera. M17.
b. An elaborate composition, usu. for full orchestra, in three or more movements, and similar in form to a sonata, but usually of grander dimensions and broader style. L18.
D. C. Peattie Listening to a Sibelius symphony rolling out. attrib.: A. H. Compton Seeking a little relaxation at a symphony concert.
c. ellipt. = symphony orchestra below. E20.
Comb.: symphony orchestra a large orchestra suitable for playing symphonies etc.